Google rolls out fix for Nest camera live-stream failures

Google says rolling camera software updates fix a problem that could prevent Nest live streams from connecting over certain internet connections, including PPPoE, fiber and mobile hotspots. Event history continued recording normally during the failure, the company says.

On 10 November, Android Central quoted one owner saying Live View on older Nest doorbell cameras had been broken for over a week. Another said movement alerts and clips still arrived, but live video did not. Google had responded to the user thread with troubleshooting steps; one owner said the company had acknowledged similar issues.

The update notice lists Nest Cam Indoor and Outdoor (1st gen), Nest Doorbell (wired, 1st gen / Nest Hello), and Nest Cam IQ Indoor and Outdoor migrated to the Google Home app. Google also says the updates improve live-stream responsiveness and smoothness. 9to5Google said the updates are rolling out.

Other camera fixes

Separate Android fixes address missing or unresponsive previous and next event buttons and player controls on still-image events, timeline gaps or playback error screens, and controls stuck loading when the phone is rotated. They also address unnecessary Nest account-linking prompts during brief network interruptions and restore the relinking option when expired partner account links made third-party cameras appear offline. Owners can again remove an offline, unmigrated Nest Doorbell (wired, 1st gen) through device settings.

Google also says it fixed blank event previews on Nest Cam IQ Indoor and Outdoor, improved camera clock accuracy for event timestamps, updated security certificates and addressed stability issues to reduce unexpected restarts.

Home keys for compatible locks

A separate addition lets users save a home key to Google Wallet through the Home app, which prompts them to save it after setup; they can also use Home settings > Google Wallet key. The key is linked to the Home app rather than a single lock. One key works across compatible Aliro locks and syncs across compatible Android phones signed into the same Wallet account.

On Android 9 or later, users can tap a compatible lock using near-field communication (NFC), a short-range wireless connection. Tapping works with the phone screen locked by default, but Wallet settings can require a screen lock or biometric authentication.

Unlock on Approach instead requires both an Aliro-compatible ultra-wideband (UWB) phone and lock. Listed phones include the Google Pixel 10 Pro series and above and select UWB-enabled Samsung Galaxy phones. Wear OS watches are not supported at launch.

Home keys are rolling out first to Google Home Public Preview users, with availability for all users promised over the coming weeks. Support for more lock models is also planned.

Separate Home and Gemini additions

Enrolled Gemini early-access users can expect improved smart-home controls, faster timers and Broadcasts, and more conversational voice feedback. Answers on Nest Hub smart displays can also include relevant images when helpful. Separately, the Home app is adding a Google Home Premium settings page and an Eco Mode Everywhere switch for homes with multiple Nest Thermostats.

Google says Google Home MCP connections also let superintelligence (SI) agents control automations and access additional device controls and status checks, including for thermostats, robot vacuums and smoke alarms.